Unhealthy alcohol use refers to a spectrum of alcohol consumption ranging from at-risk drinking to alcohol use disorder. It is associated with both a high cost to society and to individuals. Globally, alcohol is a leading cause of death and disability, and despite the high prevalence of unhealthy alcohol use, diagnosis, and treatment of alcohol use disorder remains disproportionately low. Risk for unhealthy alcohol use and alcohol related harms is multifactorial and includes genetic factors, gender, age, socioeconomic status, cultural and societal norms, and policies regulating alcohol consumption among others. Excessive alcohol use is associated with a myriad of poor physical and mental health outcomes, and screening for unhealthy alcohol use is universally recommended and effective. This review contains 1 figures, 2 tables, and 76 references. Key Words: addiction, alcohol, cancer, diagnosis, drinking, liver disease, screening, stigma, use disorderImportant Advances